Dual opposing swivelling head implement

ABSTRACT

A cleaning implement includes a handle, a head, a first operative surface connected to the head, comprising bristles, a second operative surface connected to the head in opposing relation to the first operative head, the second operative surface being interchangeable among at least one cleaning element, and a swivel connected to the handle and the head. The swivel allows varied angular positioning of the head with respect to the handle. The head is rotatable to selectively position the first and second operative heads.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application is a conversion of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/826,756, filed on Sep. 25, 2006, and incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to cleaning implements and, more particularly, relates to swivel heads of implements, the heads having more than one operating surface.

Conventional cleaning implements with handles, such as brooms, mops, dusters, brushes and the like, typically have an operative head element (e.g., bristle, etc.) rigidly fixed to the handle. Certain operative head elements have been disconnectable from the handle, such as when the implement is not in use and in storage. However, the operative elements have not been selectively orientable in relation to the handle for and during clearing operations.

Further, conventional cleaning implements include a single type of head element (e.g., just brush or mop, but not both). Certain typical implements permit interchange of cleaning element between and among different types (e.g. brush element replaceable with mop, and vice versa, on the same handle). The implements have not typically included more than one type of head element (e.g., brush and mop) in the same implement in use.

Typically, operative head elements are rigidly fixed in orientation to the handle. This is, at least in the part, because the handle is generally connected at a mid-point of the head element to allow uniform force distribution in pushing and sweeping motions. Although this typical configuration of handle and head element is useful in many cleaning operations, the designs are not suitable in many smaller crannies, over and under features, around corners, and the like.

It would therefore be a significant improvement to provide implements having adjustable heads, to allow better access to certain areas/surfaces for cleaning, and to further equip such implements for pluralities of different cleaning operations. The present invention provides these and other benefits and nuances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a swivel head implement with an operative head that is repositionable, such as for storage and cleaning in various angled extension, according to certain embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative swivel head implement having dual opposing operative heads, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an implement 100 includes a handle 102 and a head 104. An end 102 a of the handle 102 is connected by a swivel hinge 106 to an end 104 a of the head 104. The head 104 includes a cleaning surface 108, such as broom bristles.

The swivel hinge 106 allows the head 104 at the end 104 a to be moved in the directions of arrow A (i.e., one degree of movement) with respect to the handle 102 at the end 102 a. The swivel hinge 106 is capable of securing the head 104 in select fixed angle relationship to the handle 102, at points throughout the movement of the head 104 in the direction of A with respect to the handle 102. The swivel hinge 106 incorporates a securing assembly to selectively retain the head 104 in particular angled relation to the handle 102, during use of the head in cleaning or the like.

In operation, the implement 100 is storable with the head 104 positioned against the handle 102, at an extent of the direction arrow A. In other words, the swivel hinge 106 permits the head 104 to be swiveled upward (in FIG. 1) into parallel alignment against the handle 102. In use for cleaning, the head 102 is swiveled around the swivel hinge 106 and securable in any position with respect to the 102 through the full degree of movement towards the other extent of the direction arrow A. FIG. 1 shows an example in which an about 100° angle is formed between the handle 102 and the head 104 over the range of the swivel movement. Alternately, the head 104 is positionable for cleaning in any other angle with respect to the head handle 102 over the full range of the arrow A. For example, if the head 104 is positioned downward (in FIG. 1) in the swivel path A, the angle between the handle 102 and the head 104 can be on the order of 180° forming a substantially linear handle 102 and head 104 arrangement, and even further swivel positioning of the head 104 can cause the cleaning surface 108 (for example, broom bristles) to be upwardly directed (in FIG. 1) towards the direction of end 102 b of the handle 102. The swivel hinge 106 in every event allows varied positioning and fixing of the angle as desired for the use in cleaning, such as to reach under or over surfaces and the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, the implement 100 of FIG. 1 is shown with the head 104 fully extended in 180° angle to the handle 102. The head 104 is shown looking into the cleaning surface 108. A possible embodiment of the swivel hinge 106 is seen to include a pivot pin 106 a connected to permit swivel pivot of the head 104 with respect to the handle 102. In the embodiment, the pivot pin 106 a is a bolt and nut that secure the head 104 in fixed position with respect to the handle 102 upon tightening. The bolt and nut are loosened to allow the head 104 to swivel to different angle position with respect to the handle 102. When desired angle is formed between head 104 and handle 102, the nut and bolt are tightened to secure the angled relationship during cleaning. Although a nut and bolt securement mechanism is shown in the embodiment, any other of a wide variety of selective securement/free swivel are possible, including, for example, ratchet, squeeze pads, gears, and/or other securing features, and those skilled in the art will now or in the future know and understand the various options all of which are included here.

Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative implement 300 includes a swivel hinge 106 connecting a head 104 and a handle 102. The head 104 has opposing cleaning surfaces 108, 110. For example, one of the surfaces 108 (for example, broom bristles) opposes another of the surfaces 110 (for example, duster). The head 104, in addition to pivoting via the swivel hinge 106 to vary angle with respect to the handle 102, also is rotatable in the direction of arrow B. The end 104 of the head 104 at the swivel hinge 106 includes a rotation pin (not shown in detail) that permits the rotation of the head 104, in order to flip from one to the other of the surfaces 108 and 110. (i.e., This provides two degrees of freedom of movement to the head 104 of the implement 300.) The pin maintains the head 104 such that a desired one of the surfaces 108, 110 is useable in a fixed relation at a point throughout the rotation, according to the particular desires and positioning for cleaning.

Referring to FIG. 4, the implement 300 of FIG. 3 has the head 104 rotated so that the surface 110 is upward (in FIG. 4) towards the end 102 b of the handle 102 and the surface 108 is downward (in FIG. 4) away from the end 102 b. A rotation pin 312 is seen protruding at the end 104 b of the head 104 as it passes through the head 104 from the end 104 a (not shown) at the swivel hinge 106. The arrow B shows the rotatable range of the head around the rotation pin 312. Although the rotation pin 312 is shown in the embodiment as extending through and protruding from the end 104 b of the head 104, variations are possible including that the head may include a pivot extension at the end 104 a near the swivel hinge 106 or other mechanism, and those skilled in the art will now or in the future know and understand the various options all of which are included here.

Referring to FIG. 5, an implement 500 includes a swivel hinge 106, of the type previously described. The swivel hinge 106 includes first and second side plates 502,504. the side plates 502, 504 are connected to the handle 102 and the end 102 a. A gap is formed between the side plates 502, 504 sufficient to accommodate an eyelet extension 506 connected at the end 104 a of the head 104. A swivel pin 106 a, for example, a bolt and wing nut, passes through the side plates 502, 504 and eyelet extension 506 therebetween. The swivel pin 106 a allows the head 104 to swivel to change angle in the direction A with respect to the handle 102, until a desired angle is achieved. At the desired angle, the swivel pin 106 a is secured, for example, by tightening the bolt and wing nut, to secure the head 104 at the desired angle with the handle 102. Although not detailed in FIG. 5, arrow B indicates the rotational capability of the head 104 in order to selectively position the opposing cleaning surfaces 108, 110. As with the swivel of the head 104 as to the handle 102, the rotation of the head 104 to position the cleaning surfaces 108, 110 is fixable at desired rotational position for operative cleaning use of the applicable surface(s) 108, 110.

Referring to FIG. 6, an implement 100 of the type of FIG. 1, includes a grip 602 secured to or formed in the handle 102. The grip 602 aids a handler of the implement 100 to maintain position against torsion of the handle 102 during cleaning against a surface. For example, the grip 602 can be gripped by a person during cleaning, and the handle 102 of the implement 100 will not easily twist in the person's grip when friction or other force is applied at the head 104 that could otherwise cause twist of the handle 102.

A variety of alternatives are possible. The cleaning surfaces of the head can be any of a wide variety of options. For example, broom bristles, duster, fluffer, lint catcher, scrubber, squeegee, mop, and others are included. In certain alternatives, the cleaning surfaces can be interchangeable, such as by equipping the head with features to allow substitution of one or both surfaces, as the case may be. Also, size and design of the cleaning surfaces can be varied or variable, including angled surfaces, extending surfaces, and others. The swivel hinge and head rotation mechanisms can be any of a wide variety of options now or that may in the future become available, that permit operative use of cleaning surfaces and opposing surfaces (if applicable) and that allow varied angles and arrangements such as to reach corners, undersides, tops, crevices, and other areas in cleaning. All variations of sizes and shapes of the handle, the head, and cleaning surfaces, as well as the swivel hinge and rotation mechanisms, are all included in the alternatives.

In the foregoing, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope hereof. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element. 

1. An implement, comprising: a handle; a head; a first operative surface connected to the head, comprising bristles; a second operative surface connected to the head in opposing relation to the first operative head, the second operative surface being interchangeable among at least one cleaning element; and a swivel connected to the handle and the head; wherein the swivel allows varied angular positioning of the head with respect to the handle; wherein the head is rotatable to selectively position the first and second operative heads.
 2. The implement of claim 1, wherein the handle has a generally longitudinal axis, the swivel forms a pivot point for the head with respect to the handle, at an extended end of the handle, the pivot point is approximately perpendicular to the generally longitudinal axis of the handle, and the head has a rotational centrum approximately perpendicular to the pivot point.
 3. The implement of claim 2, wherein the head is selectively pivotally fixable relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle about the pivot point.
 4. The implement of claim 2, wherein the swivel selectively fixes the head relative to the handle at the pivot point.
 5. The implement of claim 3, wherein the head is selectively rotationally fixable relative to the pivot point and the handle about the rotational centrum.
 6. A system for cleaning, comprising: a joint; a handle extension connected to the joint; and a head connected to the joint, having a first element and a second element, the first element and the second element selected from the group consisting of: bristles, mop, squeegee, duster, scraper, and combinations; wherein the head is rotationally fixable relative to the handle via the joint, over at least about 270° of rotation relative to the handle extension.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising: a pivot pin connected to the handle extension at the joint, and connected to the head, the head is rotatable on the pivot pin.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising: a selector for facing the first element and the second element with respect to the handle, for cleaning selectively by either of the first element and second element.
 9. An implement for cleaning a surface, comprising: a head having generally opposing cleaning elements; and an extension hingedly connected to the head; wherein the head is positionable in fixed relation to the extension for cleaning; wherein the head is positionable in fixed relation to the extension and the surface for cleaning.
 10. The cleaning implement of claim 9, wherein the head is rotatably positional for contacting the surface.
 11. The cleaning implement of claim 10, wherein the opposing cleaning elements are each selected from the group consisting of: bristle, broom, mop, squeegee, duster, scraper, brush, and combinations. 